sump pump questions

We just installed a Ridgid 1/2 HP sump pump in our basement to control
a recent flooding problem where we estimated about 5 gpm leaking into
our basement. The pump is placed in a kitchen trash can through a hole
(about 18" deep) in our concrete. The can is about 15"x11" dimensions.
The pump comes on every one to one and a half minutes for about 4-6
seconds. Is this too frequent, and what can be done to increase the
time between pumping?
Thanks.

Oh yeah, WAY too frequent and WAY too short a run-time. If it's a
pedestal pump it should have a float on a vertical rod. On the rod are
two collars that can be adjusted up or down. The collar below the
switch lever is the "on" setting - moving it down will allow the water
to rise higher before turning on the pump, set this collar as low as
you can while keeping the water level at a manageable height inside
your sump/trashcan. The collar above the switch lever is the "off"
setting - moving it UP will lower the level of water that shuts off the
pump. You want the water level as low as possible when the pump shuts
off without having the pump suck air so move this up as much as
possible (usually to the top of the rod). In general, the further
apart these two collars are, the pump will have a longer run-time and
cycle less frequently.

Thats not too frequent. You just have a really strong pump. And a low
volume pit. If you want to reduce the time between activations, you
have to increase the volume of your pit by making it wider/ increasing
the diameter.
To where are you pumping the water?

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